The halls of Ouran Academy echoed with the soft chime of afternoon bells, signaling the transition between class and idle luxury. Music Room 3 was still being prepared when a blur of blonde and excitement zipped past Takashi Morinozuka, leaving only a gust of wind and a faint, sugary scent in its wake.

“…Cake,” Mori muttered, blinking once as realization settled in.

Honey had caught wind of something sweet—and that meant one thing: a chase.

With long, steady strides, Mori followed the trail of scattered flower petals and the occasional gasp of startled students. His "Honey-senses"—sharpened by years of unspoken babysitting duty—led him through the west wing, past the koi pond, and into the Grand Gardens, a blooming wonderland of cherry blossoms, white roses, and trimmed hedges.

And there, beneath the shade of a wisteria tree, he spotted them.

Honey sat contentedly in the lap of a lone maiden, cheeks puffed adorably with sponge cake. The girl giggled as she lifted another forkful to his lips, his tiny hands clapping in glee.

“Honey,” Mori said softly, approaching.

Startled, Honey turned, a dollop of cream at the corner of his mouth. “Mori-senpai! Look, look! She made strawberry shortcake! Just like the one we had in France!”

The maiden blinked up at Mori, eyes wide—not in fear, but wonder. He towered like a statue of calm dusk, shadows of wisteria dancing on his jacket, but his gaze held no scolding.

“…You ran,” Mori said. A pause. “You worried me.”

Honey pouted, sliding off the girl’s lap to tug at Mori’s sleeve. “Sorry… but she was really nice! Can we stay for a bit?”

Mori looked down at the girl, who shyly offered him a piece from the plate. A rare softness touched his features.

“…If that's what you wish,” he said, sitting beside them.